Some people rely on bookshelves or adorable pets to kick off conversations. That’s fine. But if you’re the kind of person who wants something a little weirder, louder, or just different, there are plenty of ways to make people ask, “Okay, what’s that about?”
These conversation starters live in your space, spark curiosity, and say something about you. And no, they don’t involve wagging tails or literary quotes.
Here are 11 ways to start a conversation without opening a book or showing off your dog.
1. A Samurai Sword On Display
- A full-sized samurai sword instantly grabs attention. It’s the kind of thing you just don’t see in most homes, and that alone is enough to get people talking. The sleek steel and historic shape hold a strange kind of power.
- Samurai Sword Store offers a wide range of authentic Japanese swords, including anime-inspired options and traditional styles. Their Yoriichi swords, based on the iconic Demon Slayer character, look sharp in every sense of the word. If you’re a fan of the series or just like impressive craftsmanship, it’s a perfect addition.
- If you want guests to ask about something other than your couch cushions, this is the ultimate power move. People will notice it and want to know where it’s from, why you have it, and what it means to you.
2. A Vintage Typewriter That Still Works
- A real typewriter, not just for show, draws in creatives and nostalgia lovers alike. There’s something hypnotic about hearing the keys clack.
- It shows you appreciate old-school function and design without having to say it. The mechanics behind a typewriter also make it a fun topic for tech or design enthusiasts.
- And yes, people will absolutely want to try typing something just to hear the clack. It turns into an interactive piece of history in your living room.
3. A Framed Local Newspaper Front Page
- Local headlines can say a lot about where you’re from or what matters to you. It can be from a historic day, a quirky headline, or just something personal.
- Framing a meaningful or wild front page is way more original than a movie poster. It’s a snapshot of time that has meaning or humor.
- It also sparks discussion about community, history, or the chaos of that one event you lived through. It’s both personal and universal, depending on the headline.
4. A Taxidermy Animal (The Weirder The Better)
- Even if it’s small, like a mouse in a tiny suit, it will stop people mid-sentence. Guests will have questions, guaranteed.
- Taxidermy has a strange charm that makes it feel part art piece, part science exhibit. It blends old-school craft with eccentric taste.
- Whether guests find it funny or creepy, they will absolutely talk about it. That moment of confusion is exactly what makes it effective.
5. An Unusual Musical Instrument
- Steel drums, didgeridoos, theremins, even if you can’t play it well, it’s something to ask about. Just having one shows you’re into the unexpected.
- People love trying them out, even just to make noise. It quickly turns into a playful moment that breaks the ice.
- It also gives you a chance to tell any story you want about how or why you got it. Whether you bought it abroad or found it in a thrift store, the backstory makes it better.
6. A Massive Map With Strange Markings
- Maps always get attention, especially if you’ve made weird notes or routes on them. People love tracing their fingers across lines.
- It makes people ask questions: Have you been there? Why is that town circled three times? The visual cues prompt conversation immediately.
- It’s also one of the few wall hangings that practically demand interaction. Unlike art, people feel allowed to get close and study it.
7. A Quirky Neon Sign
- Not just for diners or dive bars, neon signs with personal or absurd phrases make a room pop. They instantly brighten the vibe.
- They’re bright, unexpected, and feel just a little chaotic – in a good way. There’s a certain irony in having a neon sign in a regular apartment.
- It gives people a reason to ask where you got it and what it means. It leads to stories, jokes, and personal anecdotes.
8. A Collection Of Unlabeled VHS Tapes
- A stack of old VHS tapes with no labels triggers instant curiosity. Everyone wants to know what’s on them.
- It gets people wondering what’s on them and why you still have them. It taps into nostalgia and mystery at the same time.
- You don’t even have to own a VCR – just owning them is enough to make people talk. They’re basically retro question marks.
9. An Offbeat Art Piece You Found On The Street
- Found art has this strange appeal – part accidental beauty, part trash treasure. It’s raw and unpredictable.
- If you picked it up off the sidewalk, you’re already halfway to an interesting story. People love tales that start with “you won’t believe where I found this.”
- Bonus points if it’s weird enough that people can’t tell if it was made on purpose or not. Ambiguity makes it memorable.
10. A Jukebox Or Old-School Record Machine
- These instantly create an atmosphere and show you’re serious about music. The physical buttons and dials are hard to resist.
- You don’t need to be a collector – just having one track that kicks on automatically is enough. It’s a whole vibe.
- People won’t just ask about it; they’ll want to use it. It brings back a time when music was tangible and shared.
11. A Wall Of Polaroids With No Captions
- Polaroids have this personal, mysterious quality digital pics don’t. They feel like frozen memories.
- A whole wall of them with no explanation invites people to ask about every single one. It’s like a visual riddle.
- No names, no dates, just vibes – perfect for sparking stories. You get to tell the ones you want and keep the others to yourself.
Conclusion
You don’t need a hyper-intelligent cat or a shelf full of Booker Prize winners to get people talking. Weird items, unexpected decor, and things with actual stories behind them do the job better. Just one unexpected object can lead to an hour-long conversation – and probably a new friend who also thinks owning a sword is totally normal.
